The Running of the Bulls Is Coming to America to Destroy All Our Rear Ends

Have you ever watched the Running of the Bulls and thought, “Hey, I’d love to try that?”

Well, now’s your chance. And you don't even need a passport to do it.

An American version of the tradition that takes place in Pamplona, Spain is set to launch this month.

The Great Bull Run will kick off August 24 in Richmond, Virginia, with 5,000 brave – or stupid, depending on your point of view – souls signing up. There be two other events in Atlanta and Houston later this year, with seven more slated around the US in 2014.

The event’s website tries to appeal to people’s inner machismo by letting them know the danger involved:

By participating in the run, you accept the risk that you might be trampled, gored, rammed or tossed in the air by a bull, or bumped, jostled, tripped or trampled by your fellow runners.”

As for safety, the Great Bull Run’s founder, Rob Dickens, said it won’t be as dangerous as its counterpart in Spain because the bulls will be unleashed on the course six at a time to create more space, as well as a "better opportunity to complete the course safely. We’re not using the Spanish fighting bulls that are bred to be very aggressive for the entertaining aspect of bullfighting.”

Fifteen people have died in the famed Pamplona race since 1924, with the most recent one taking place in 2009.

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While daredevils may be too tempted to pass up the Great Bull Run, animal rights activists are quick to discourage it. The Humane Society said, “These events are a shameful example of cruelty for the sake of nothing more than entertainment and profit.”

If you're mulling over competing, check out the video below to remind you what could be in store and your very potentially sore rear end: